Spanish Wines have won 7 gold medals at the prestigious International Wine Challenge 2005, organised by the British magazine Wine International. The star of the show was Abadía Retuerta Selección Especial 2001 (Abadía Retuerta, Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla y León) declared Best Red 2005, winning the Red Wine Trophy and Best Spanish Red, winning the Spanish Red Trophy. This year, for the first time, emerging designations of origin like Bierzo and Somontano have burst onto the scene, making their debut as new award categories. “In this way Spain is demonstrating that its wine-growing prowess does not stop at Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Priorato” affirms the magazine.

The Bierzo Trophy was awarded to Pétalos del Bierzo 2003 (Descendientes de J Palacios) and the Somontano Trophy was awarded to Secastilla 2003 (Viñas del Vero).

Les Ones 2002 was elected best wine from el Priorato and the prize for the best quality/price ratio went to Berberana Dragón 2003 (Berberana, Vinos de la Tierra de Castilla). In geographical areas, 7 Spanish wines won gold medals: Las Ramas 2003 (Campo de Borja), Mención Reserva 1998 (Bodegas Lan, Rioja), Reserva de la Familia 1999 (Bodegas Luis Cañas, Rioja), Montecillo Crianza 2001 (Bodegas Montecillo, Rioja), Teófila Reyes 2001 (Bodegas Reyes, Ribera del Duero), Arrayan Premium 2002 (La Casa de las Cuatro Rayas, Méntrida) and Pago de los Capellanes Reserva 2001 (Ribera del Duero).

Another 26 Spanish wines were awarded silver medals and 83 won bronze.